Patentable/Patents/US-9612619
US-9612619

Electronic device with pivoting display assembly

PublishedApril 4, 2017
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

An electronic device includes a display assembly, in which the display assembly is positioned within a strength member frame and pivots around a pair of hinges fixed into the strength member frame, the strength member frame isolating the display assembly from forces that would otherwise damage the display assembly. The display assembly may include a rectangular display element and the strength member frame is then a rigid rectangular frame that surrounds all four sides of the display assembly, all sides of the rigid rectangular frame being capable of isolating the display assembly from forces that would otherwise damage the display assembly. The invention hence enables a computing device display to be securely held, protected and manipulated. The display is protected from stress, torsional forces, impact forces and over-rotation.

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A device for providing a pivotable display assembly for an electronic device comprising: a display assembly comprising: a display rear case; and a display element, wherein the display rear case is coupled to the display element; a torsion frame assembly, wherein the torsion frame assembly completely surrounds the display assembly; a secondary hinge assembly comprising: a hinge barrel, wherein the hinge barrel is coupled to the display rear case; a barrel hinge sleeve, wherein the barrel hinge sleeve covers a hinge barrel shaft to provide a rotating surface between the hinge barrel and a hinge barrel mounting assembly, wherein a diameter of the hinge barrel sleeve is based, at least in part, on a predetermined friction between the hinge barrel and the barrel hinge sleeve; and a hinge barrel mount, wherein the hinge barrel is coupled to the hinge barrel mount; a strength member frame of the torsion frame assembly, wherein the strength member frame extends around a perimeter of the display assembly, wherein the display assembly is mounted directly into the strength member frame via the secondary hinge assembly, and wherein the hinge barrel mount is coupled to the strength member frame; a strength member cover, wherein the strength member cover is coupled to the strength member frame via one or more horizontally placed securing screws so that one or more forces acting upon the strength member frame and the strength member cover are transferred through a cross section of the securing screws and not along a thread of the securing screws, and wherein the strength member frame and the strength member cover transfer mechanical forces away from the display assembly, wherein the display assembly is subjected to the mechanical forces during manipulation of the display assembly; and a camera lens supported by the strength member frame.

Plain English Translation

An electronic device features a pivotable display assembly. The assembly includes a display element attached to a rear case, both surrounded by a torsion frame. A secondary hinge allows the display to rotate. This hinge includes a barrel connected to the rear case, a sleeve covering the barrel shaft providing a rotating surface with controlled friction, and a mount that secures the barrel to the strength member frame. The torsion frame has a strength member frame extending around the display perimeter, directly mounting the display assembly via the secondary hinge, and a strength member cover attached with horizontal screws to transfer forces through the screw's cross-section. The frame and cover protect the display from mechanical forces during manipulation. A camera lens is also supported by the frame.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the display element is rectangular, wherein the strength member frame is a rigid rectangular frame that surrounds all four sides of the display assembly, wherein all sides of the rigid rectangular frame isolate the display assembly from stress, torsional forces, impact forces, and over-rotation.

Plain English Translation

The pivotable display assembly from the previous description has a rectangular display element. The strength member frame is a rigid rectangle surrounding all four sides of the display. This rigid frame isolates the display from stress, torsional forces, impact forces, and over-rotation, providing comprehensive protection for the display during pivoting and general use.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the strength member cover covers one or more internal components of the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

In the pivoting display assembly, the strength member cover also serves to conceal and protect one or more internal components of the display assembly, offering both structural support and component shielding.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the barrel hinge sleeve is operable to adjust rotation resistance of the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

The barrel hinge sleeve in the rotatable display is designed to adjust the rotational resistance of the display assembly, allowing for customized feel and preventing free-swinging motion. The sleeve's friction against the barrel can be tuned to achieve the desired level of stiffness during rotation.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The device claim 1 , wherein the display assembly via the secondary hinge assembly is rotatable so as to face toward a base of the electronic device in one position and to face away from the base of the electronic device in second position.

Plain English Translation

The pivoting display assembly can rotate via the secondary hinge assembly to face either toward the device's base or away from it, providing flexibility in viewing angles and usage modes. This allows the device to function in different orientations depending on the user's need.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The device of claim 1 , where the display assembly is operable to close over the top of a base of the electronic device so as to form a tablet computer-style form factor.

Plain English Translation

The pivoting display assembly can close over the top of the electronic device's base, effectively transforming the device into a tablet computer form factor. This offers a dual-purpose functionality, allowing the device to be used as both a laptop and a tablet.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the display assembly is operable to close via a set of primary hinges connecting the display assembly and the base and the secondary hinge assembly.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly closes onto the base using both a set of primary hinges (connecting the display and base) and the secondary hinge assembly, combining the functionalities of both hinge types to achieve a tablet-style form factor when closed.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the display assembly is configured to form a unibody-type construction with the display element secured to a display support frame which is secured to a display rear case formed of a rigid material.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly is constructed as a unibody-type structure, with the display element secured to a display support frame which is then rigidly attached to a display rear case made of a rigid material, resulting in a strong and integrated display module.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the display assembly is secured at orientations facing a base of the electronic device or facing opposite the base of the electronic device within the strength member frame using one or more of a spring assembly, a magnet, a friction fit, and a pin.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly is held securely within the strength member frame, facing either the base or opposite the base, using a securing mechanism that may include a spring assembly, a magnet, a friction fit, or a pin. This ensures stable positioning of the display in its various orientations.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hinge barrel is a “C” shape to allow the hinge barrel and the barrel hinge sleeve to snap fit into the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

The hinge barrel has a "C" shape, which enables the hinge barrel and its sleeve to snap-fit into the display assembly. This simplifies assembly and provides a secure and reliable connection.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A device for providing a pivotable display assembly for an electronic device comprising: a display assembly comprising: a display rear case; and a display element, wherein the display rear case is coupled to the display element; a torsion frame assembly, wherein the torsion frame assembly completely surrounds the display assembly; a secondary hinge assembly comprising: a hinge barrel, wherein the hinge barrel is coupled to the display rear case; a barrel hinge sleeve, wherein the barrel hinge sleeve covers a hinge barrel shaft to provide a rotating surface between the hinge barrel and a hinge barrel mounting assembly; and a hinge barrel support, wherein the hinge barrel is coupled to the hinge barrel support; a strength member frame of the torsion frame assembly, wherein the strength member frame extends around a perimeter of the display assembly, wherein the hinge barrel is secured into the strength member frame, and wherein the hinge barrel support is mounted in the display assembly; a strength member cover, wherein the strength member cover is coupled to the strength member frame via one or more horizontally placed securing screws so that one or more forces acting upon the strength member frame and the strength member cover are transferred through a cross section of the securing screws and not along a thread of the securing screws, and wherein the strength member frame and the strength member cover transfer mechanical forces away from the display assembly, wherein the display assembly is subjected to the mechanical forces during manipulation of the display assembly; and a camera lens supported by the strength member cover.

Plain English Translation

An electronic device includes a pivotable display assembly featuring a display element attached to a rear case, surrounded by a torsion frame. A secondary hinge enables rotation, including a barrel connected to the rear case, a sleeve over the barrel shaft providing a rotating surface, and a support. The torsion frame contains a strength member frame extending around the display perimeter, securing the hinge barrel, with the barrel support mounted in the display assembly. A strength member cover attaches with horizontal screws to transfer force. The frame and cover protect the display from mechanical forces. A camera lens is supported by the cover.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the display element is rectangular, wherein the strength member frame is a rigid rectangular frame that surrounds all four sides of the display assembly, wherein all sides of the rigid rectangular frame isolate the display assembly from stress, torsional forces, impact forces, and over-rotation.

Plain English Translation

The pivoting display assembly from the previous description has a rectangular display element, and the strength member frame is a rigid rectangle surrounding all four sides of the display. This rigid frame isolates the display from stress, torsional forces, impact forces, and over-rotation, ensuring robustness.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the strength member cover covers one or more internal components of the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

In the pivoting display assembly, the strength member cover also covers one or more internal components of the display assembly, providing both physical protection and concealing sensitive parts.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the barrel hinge sleeve is operable to adjust rotation resistance of the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

The barrel hinge sleeve in the rotatable display allows adjustment of the rotation resistance of the display assembly, providing control over the feel and preventing unwanted free movement.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The device claim 11 , wherein the display assembly via the secondary hinge assembly is rotatable so as to face toward a base of the electronic device in one position and to face away from the base of the electronic device in second position.

Plain English Translation

The pivoting display assembly via the secondary hinge assembly can rotate to face either toward the base or away from the base of the device, allowing for flexible viewing and usage scenarios.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The device of claim 11 , where the display assembly is operable to close over the top of a base of the electronic device so as to form a tablet computer-style form factor.

Plain English Translation

The pivoting display assembly is designed to close over the top of the base of the electronic device, creating a tablet computer-style form factor that combines laptop and tablet functionality.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the display assembly is operable to close via a set of primary hinges connecting the display assembly and the base and the secondary hinge assembly.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly is able to close by using both a set of primary hinges connecting it to the base, and the secondary hinge assembly, effectively combining the two hinge systems to achieve the tablet configuration.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The device of claim 11 , wherein the display assembly is configured to form a unibody-type construction with the display element secured to a display support frame which is secured to a display rear case formed of a rigid material.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly has a unibody-type construction, where the display element is secured to a support frame, which is then secured to a rigid rear case, resulting in a robust and integrated display structure.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The device of claim 11 , wherein the display assembly is secured at orientations facing a base of the electronic device or facing opposite the base of the electronic device within the strength member frame using one or more of a spring assembly, a magnet, a friction fit, and a pin.

Plain English Translation

The display assembly can be secured facing the base or opposite the base within the strength member frame, using mechanisms like a spring, magnet, friction fit, or a pin to maintain the desired orientation.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The device of claim 11 , wherein the hinge barrel is a “C” shape to allow the hinge barrel and the barrel hinge sleeve to snap fit into the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

The hinge barrel has a “C” shape, enabling the hinge barrel and its barrel hinge sleeve to snap-fit into the display assembly, simplifying assembly while ensuring a secure and reliable connection point.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

December 29, 2015

Publication Date

April 4, 2017

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